Chapter 111: Planet of Giants

Back when Lin Yu only had the aerial maps, he didn’t think much of it.

But now, parachuting down in person, he finally realized—everything on this planet was ridiculously huge.

Those trees? Some easily stretched several hundred, even a thousand meters tall, the trunks so thick that a dozen people hand-in-hand couldn’t wrap around them. And the giant fruit hanging from the branches looked like oversized produce from a dream…

Seriously, if those fruits were edible, just one would be enough to stuff dozens of people full.

And yet, even these plants weren’t the craziest thing here.

The real shockers were the animals roaming this world.

Take the massive four-legged creature Lin Yu had spotted earlier—it looked like someone had chopped the trunk off an elephant and then super-sized its legs for good measure.

Of course, it’s just what you’d expect. Alien fauna shouldn’t look anything like those from Earth.

But that sheer size…

And those four thick, powerhouse legs.

Lin Yu couldn’t shake the feeling: if that thing ever stomped his way and he didn’t dodge fast enough…

His prized Bai Ze Mech might be flattened like a tin can.

Because this beast…

Was about 320 meters long, and stood over 200 meters tall.

It was honestly absurd. Even a fully grown T-Rex from the age of dinosaurs would look like an ant next to this titan.

“Dr. Lu, can our weapons even deal with something like that?”

“Of course. Kinetic weapons might barely tickle it, but as long as you aim our laser cannons at the right spot, it’s going down in one shot.”

Lu Bo waved off the concern without a hint of worry.

These aren’t like those supermassive ion beams you see on warships. Ordinary laser weapons—honestly, even the stuff the Federation fielded centuries ago—are more than up to the job.

It’s not like those Ultraman monsters, where the fights drag on forever while everyone just scratches each other lightly. That would just be weird.

“Alright, but hey—do you think the meat’s edible?”

“Why not? We could give it a shot!”

Lu Bo perked up at the suggestion, clearly tempted.

But Lin Yu shook his head. Even if they were going to try, they should really pick something smaller. This creature…

Was simply too huge. Even with over a thousand people in the landing party, there was no way they’d finish it all. What a colossal waste!

In the end, they settled for two animals, each less than ten meters long.

They looked intimidating, but under the Bai Ze Mech’s heavy electromagnetic cannon, it was over with a single well-aimed shot to the head.

Meanwhile, the heavy infantry tested their own weapons on another eight-meter-long beast.

Sure enough, just as Lu Bo had said.

The electromagnetic assault rifles weren’t too effective—not that they couldn’t kill the beast, but it took a lot of effort.

Eventually they brought in a hover vehicle. One shot from the high-energy laser pierced right through its head and finished the job.

Naturally, before eating, they ran a full battery of tests to make sure everything was safe.

Thankfully, the process didn’t take long.

The main checks were for toxic chemicals, parasites, or any unknown viruses in the meat.

Three hours later, with all results clear,

More than a thousand people gathered for a massive barbecue by the campfire.

“Tastes a bit like wagyu—rich, fatty, with a subtle milky aroma.”

Lin Yu raised his left hand, taking a hearty bite from a skewer before sharing his verdict.

He quickly went in for a bite with the skewer in his right hand.

“This meat’s closer to chicken breast—kinda dry and tough.”

“Still, it fills you up fast.”

After just a few bites, Lin Yu already felt strangely full, his eyes going wide in surprise.

“Exactly. According to our tests, both creatures’ meat is incredibly energy-dense. Just 100 grams is enough to fuel a normal adult through a whole day of intense activity.”

“Seriously?”

Lin Yu was taken aback. If Lu Bo was talking about high-intensity physical work, then that really was amazing.

“Dead serious. And it’s not just the animals. We tested a few of those fruits too—similar result. Huge energy value, rich in high-grade nutrients, and they could even significantly boost the human physique.”

Significantly?

Lin Yu zeroed in on that word.

“There’s one thing I don’t get.”

“What’s that?”

“This planet’s size and atmosphere are almost identical to Earth’s, so why do the plants and animals here have such crazy properties?”

“We’re still studying that. No definitive answer yet.”

Lu Bo shook his head. He had some theories, but nothing conclusive.

Three days later.

As materials and equipment arrived shipment after shipment from orbit,

They quickly assembled a fully equipped research station using modular components.

They chose a valley for the location.

With a narrow entrance, there was little risk of super-giant beasts wandering in. For creatures under ten meters, Lin Yu just left a squad of heavy infantry at the camp—more than enough to keep things safe.

The valley even had a freshwater lake—perfect for meeting their water needs.

In the end, 18 scientists and over 358 soldiers stayed behind, while the rest, led by Lin Yu, returned to the fleet.

Their next destination: Proxima II.

——

Proxima II.

A planet wrapped in legend.

For six centuries, humans have strongly suspected it might be a world fit for life.

But unfortunately, after all this time and countless observations from 4.22 light-years away, they never managed to prove it for sure.

Based on calculations, the planet is about 7,600 kilometers in diameter—a fair bit smaller than Earth.

Its year is just 11.2 Earth days long, as for the day-night cycle…

Thanks to tidal locking, one side of Proxima II always faces its star, while the other lies in eternal darkness.

In other words, there’s no true ‘day’ or ‘night’—half the planet bakes in constant heat, the other half freezes in endless cold. Atmospheric circulation eases the extremes a bit, but still…

Both the day-side and night-side are harsh and unlivable.

Only the twilight band—the line where day meets night—manages to keep liquid water and bear temperatures that are, well, tolerable.

So, nearly all life on Proxima II is packed into that narrow zone.

——

Deep in a vast forest.

A young girl lay napping on a tree branch.

Her golden hair tumbled past her shoulders, her eyes were emerald green, and her ears came to a fine point.

Her beauty could easily rival that of Mu Qingxue.

Lost in bliss, she had no idea at all…

That right now, her every move was being displayed to a crowd in orbit, captured from every angle in ultra-close-up detail.

A group watched her intently, her image filling their screens.